Single Idea 16928

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 4. Mathematical Empiricism / c. Against mathematical empiricism]

Full Idea

Mathematical propositions are always judgements a priori, and not empirical, because they carry with them necessity, which cannot be taken from experience.

Gist of Idea

Mathematics cannot be empirical because it is necessary, and that has to be a priori

Source

Immanuel Kant (Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysic [1781], 268)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysic', ed/tr. Lucas,Peter G. [Manchester UP 1971], p.18


A Reaction

Presumably there are necessities in the physical world, and we might discern them by generalising about that world, so that mathematics is (by a tortuous abstract route) a posteriori necessary? Just a thought…